Presbyopia in Seattle, WA
Ready to get started?
Contact UsWhat Is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural part of getting older. Around the age of 40, vision gradually starts to blur. This vision impairment is called presbyopia, and it reduces the ability to see things that are at less than arm's distance. As we age, the lenses in our eyes become less flexible. Even people who have enjoyed perfect eyesight their entire lives start to realize that they need to place items at arm's distance to read them. At his practice in Seattle, WA, Dr. Scott Campbell can talk to you about several options to enhance your vision if you are experiencing age-associated vision problems. If you suspect that you are developing presbyopia, schedule a visit to SPEX — we want to help you achieve your clearest vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Presbyopia?
Individuals who have started to experience the first symptoms of presbyopia will often notice that they can no longer focus on items near the eyes as well as they used to. A tell-tale indication of age-related vision impairment is discovering you need to position things farther and farther away to see them clearly. Another common symptom is developing headaches or eye fatigue after particular activities, such as sewing or using a cell phone or computer, that didn't typically use to cause them. Also fairly common is the incorrect idea that the declining vision is because of dim lighting. Presbyopia typically starts at around 40 years of age and, if not treated properly, its symptoms can grow more pronounced.
What Are the Causes of Presbyopia?
Although most refractive visual impairments are the result of abnormal eye shape, age-related vision impairment is not. The proteins that help make up the lens of the eye change with age, particularly after a person turns 40 years of age, causing the lens to stiffen and lose elasticity. Natural aging also affects the muscle fibers wrapped around the lens. They eventually become weaker and less malleable. This means it is harder for the lens to expand and contract, which is necessary in order to focus. All of these changes within the proteins and muscle fibers of the lens progress naturally as we age, meaning the vision impairment gradually becomes more pronounced over time.
How Is Presbyopia Treated?
Using specially designed vision tests, we can determine the most effective course of action for your particular degree of presbyopia. Most patients correct age-related vision impairment with corrective eyeglasses or contacts made with either bifocal or progressive lenses. Bifocals are built with two sections of the lens — one that makes it easier to see things close up and one that makes it easier to see things far away. Progressive lenses function similarly, but they are designed with a gradient rather than a distinct line between sections of the lens. There are also some surgical treatments that can potentially be effective in diminishing presbyopia, including laser surgery. Dr. Campbell is happy to navigate you toward your ideal form of vision management.
SPEX Seattle Reviews
Dr. Campbell is awesome! This visit I was particularly impressed. The first thing he did was ask if I had any concerns. I explained my symptoms and how I was getting to the point I was concerned about being able to drive at night. He knew exactly what was wrong and how to correct my vision. I had some concerns about the solution, and he had excellent answers that completely eliminated my apprehension. It will be a few weeks before I get the cataract surgery, but I am confident things will turn out well.
Dr. Campbell is top notch, and the office staff are great as well. 👍🏻
If you are looking for the very best eye doctor in Washington State an opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists you have found him Dr. Scott Campbell! It was my wife that recommended that I go see Dr. Campbell with an eye infection that other Dr’s could not resolve. I had been going to Costco optical in Issaquah for 38 years but my eye doctor retired so I was a little apprehensive. Dr. Scott Campbell and his staff at Spex completely took care of me the moment I picked up the phone to make the appointment. Dr. Campbell also knew my past optometrist at Costco. After my exam Dr. Campbell took care of my eye infection with medication that was called in to the pharmacy. I am so happy that I chose Dr. Scott Campbell and his office. Sincerely yours, Rod Lambe
Dr Campbell is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to listen and answer questions. The office staff were very personable and helpful with my questions
Visiting Seattle for a trip and stopped by to buy a contact lens plunger in a pinch --- we lost ours. They were kind enough to just give us one! We appreciate it.
361
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Get In Touch
Learn More About SPEX
About UsCombat Age-Related Vision Loss
Blurriness with close-up vision, particularly in people over 40 years old, is usually always presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common, age-related condition. It is easily manageable with the right glasses or contacts. At SPEX, our experienced team of eye care professionals can help you ditch the problems that come with age-related vision loss. Call us today at our Seattle, WA practice to schedule your eye exam.
How Is Presbyopia Diagnosed?
Dr. Campbell will need to conduct a comprehensive eye exam to effectively determine whether you have presbyopia. He might also conduct a series of vision tests to gauge the severity of the impairment and measure the degree of correction required. Since presbyopia is a condition that stems from the lens of the eye, we may need to use a certain kind of eye drops to increase the size of your pupils. This will allow Dr. Campbell to fully check the inside of your eyes and observe how well your lenses are doing their jobs. Through these tests, he can find the most effective next steps for your specific degree of presbyopia.
Presbyopia FAQs
How can I manage presbyopia if I already have another eye condition?
It is not uncommon for presbyopia to occur alongside other eye conditions, such as astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness), or hyperopia (farsightedness). In such cases, multifocal lenses or contact lenses can be prescribed at SPEX to correct various issues.
Is presbyopia the same as farsightedness?
While both conditions make it hard to see things up close, they're not the same. Farsightedness is caused by the shape of the eyeball, and is often present from birth, while presbyopia is caused by aging and generally affects people over 40.
Can I still drive if I have presbyopia?
Yes, you can still drive if you have presbyopia. However, you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses that correct your vision. It's also a good idea to have an extra pair of glasses in the car if you need to read something up close.